Connector

ABSTRACT

A connector comprising a contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector; an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector, the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive element comprises one or more of a region of a housing for holding the connector, a region of a locking element, two or more regions of a barrel with an internal connection path aperture, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from a main contact region.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application was originally filed as and claims priority to PCTApplication No. PCT/EP2006/012638.

This invention relates to a connector and a method of using theconnector.

BACKGROUND

An FM radio antenna may be implemented by using a headset cable. The FMradio engine itself may be in the baseband area of a mobile device, withthe antenna (the headset cable) connecting to the baseband area througha system port. A proprietary connector solution or a standard (e.g.2.5/3.5 mm) audio plug may be used to connect the headset to the systemport.

The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in thisspecification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement thatthe document is part of the state of the art or is common generalknowledge.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a connector comprising

-   -   a contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding        connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first        signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through        the connector;    -   an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an        electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector,        the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of        a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals        through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive        element comprises one or more of a region of a housing for        holding the connector, a region of a locking element, two or        more regions of a barrel with an internal connection path        aperture, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from        a main contact region.

The electrically-conductive element may be a region of a lockingelement, the locking element comprising one of a protrusion or arecessed part and being arranged to engage the other of the protrusionor recessed part on the corresponding connector.

The connector may comprise a conductor in electrical communication withthe electrically-conductive element.

The conductor may be arranged to act as a radio antenna.

The connector may comprise a cable having one or more wires connected tothe contact, the cable comprising a shield enclosing the one or morewires, the conductor being at least partially external to the shield.

The connector may comprise a conductor in electrical communication withthe electrically-conductive element, the conductor being arranged forconnection of the second signal path to a device associated with theconnector.

The connector may comprise a plurality of electrically-conductiveelements arranged to engage electrically-conductive elements on thecorresponding connector, each electrically conductive-element providinga contact point of a respective signal path for the transmission ofelectrical signals through the connector, wherein eachelectrically-conductive element comprises one or more of a region of ahousing, a region of a locking element, and a region of the contactelectrically isolated from a main contact region.

The connector comprising the plurality of electrically-conductiveelements may comprise any of the above-described features.

The connector may be a male connector.

The connector may be a female connector.

The connector may be arranged to conform to a universal serial bus (USB)standard, for example the USB 2.0 specification, and in particular theOn-The-Go Supplement to the USB 2.0 specification, especially revision1.2.

The connector may be arranged to conform to an audio jack standard.

The connector may be arranged to provide power to an electronic device.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic devicecomprising the connector of the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a peripheral devicecomprising the connector of the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of using aconnector, the connector comprising

-   -   a contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding        connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first        signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through        the connector;    -   an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an        electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector,        wherein the electrically-conductive element is one or more of a        region of a housing for holding the connector, a region of a        locking element, two or more regions of a barrel with an        internal connection path aperture, and a region of the contact        electrically isolated from a main contact region; wherein the        method comprises    -   using the electrically conductive-element to provide a contact        point of a second signal path for the transmission of electrical        signals through the connector.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a connector comprising

-   -   means for contacting arranged to mate with means for contacting        on a corresponding connector, the means for contacting providing        a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of        electrical signals through the connector;    -   a means for electrically conducting arranged to engage a means        for electrically conducting on the corresponding connector, the        means for electrically conducting providing a contact point of a        second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals        through the connector, wherein the means for electrically        conducting comprises one or more of a region of a housing for        holding the connector, a region of a locking element, two or        more regions of a barrel with an internal connection path        aperture, and a region of the contact electrically isolated from        a main contact region.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of using aconnector, the connector comprising

-   -   means for contacting arranged to mate with means for contacting        on a corresponding connector, the means for contacting providing        a contact point of a first signal path for the transmission of        electrical signals through the connector;    -   a means for electrically conducting arranged to engage a means        for electrically conducting on the corresponding connector,        wherein the means for electrically conducting comprises one or        more of a region of a housing for holding the connector, a        region of a locking element, two or more regions of a barrel        with an internal connection path aperture, and a region of the        contact electrically isolated from a main contact region;        wherein the method comprises    -   a step for using the means for electrically conducting to        provide a contact point of a second signal path for the        transmission of electrical signals through the connector.

According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a connector comprising

-   -   a contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding        connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first        signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through        the connector;    -   an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an        electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector,        the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of        a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals        through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive        element on the corresponding connector comprises one or more of        a region of a housing for holding the connector, a region of a        locking element, two or more regions of a barrel with an        internal connection path aperture, and a region of the contact        electrically isolated from a main contact region.

According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a connector comprising

-   -   a contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding        connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first        signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through        the connector;    -   an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an        electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector,        the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of        a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals        through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive        element has a primary function other than that of a contact.

The primary function may be that of a locking element.

The primary function may be that of a housing.

According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a connector comprising

-   -   a contact arranged to mate with a contact of a corresponding        connector, the contact providing a contact point of a first        signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through        the connector;    -   an electrically-conductive element arranged to engage an        electrically-conductive element on the corresponding connector,        the electrically conductive-element providing a contact point of        a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signals        through the connector, wherein the electrically-conductive        element on the corresponding connector has a primary function        other than that of a contact.

The present invention includes one or more aspects, embodiments orfeatures in isolation or in various combinations whether or notspecifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or inisolation.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross section of a first embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 2 is a cross section of a first embodiment of a male connector;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the female connector of FIG. 1 connected tothe male connector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is plan view of the female connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the male connector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device including thefemale connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a peripheral device including the maleconnector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart representing a method of using the femaleconnector of FIG. 1 or the male connector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is plan view of a second embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 10 is a cross section of the female connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of a female connector connected to athird embodiment of a male connector;

FIG. 12 is a cross section of a fourth embodiment of a male connectorconnected to a fourth embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 13 is a cross section of a fifth embodiment of a male connectorconnected to a fifth embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 14 is a cross section of a sixth embodiment of a male connectorconnected to a sixth embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 15 is a cross section of a seventh embodiment of a male connectorconnected to a seventh embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an eighth embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a tenth embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 19 is a cross section of an eleventh embodiment of a maleconnector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 4 show a female connector 100. The connector 100 comprises ahousing 102 partially surrounding contacts 104 (only one of which isshown in FIG. 1) arranged to mate with the contacts 204 of acorresponding male connector 200 (shown in FIG. 2) to provide auser-releasable connection of the connectors 100, 200. Each contact 104provides a contact point for a respective first signal path for thetransmission of electrical signals through the connector 100.

The outwardly facing surface of the housing 102 is generallynon-conductive so that it can be held by a user without getting anelectric shock when the female connector 100 is inserted around and/orconnected to a corresponding male connector.

The connector 100 includes a locking element 106 being separate to thecontacts 104 and arranged to engage a locking element 206 of thecorresponding male connector 200 in order to releasably lock theconnectors 100, 200 together. The locking element 106 comprises arecessed part (which may or may not be a through thickness aperture,e.g. a dimple) and is arranged to be engaged by a protrusion 206 on themale connector 200. The locking element 106 is metallic and is thereforeelectrically conductive. The locking element 106 is arranged to form anelectrical connection with the locking element 206 of the correspondingmale connector 200 when the two locking elements 106, 206 engage. Thelocking element 106 provides a contact point of a second signal path forthe transmission of electrical signals through the female connector 100(FIG. 3). The second signal path may be a ground line.

As shown in FIG. 4, the female connector 100 includes a conductor 108extending from the locking element 106. The conductor 108 and thelocking element 106 cooperate to provide the second signal path for thetransmission of electrical signals through the female connector 100. Thecontact perimeter of the locking element 106 is metallic, and surroundedby an insulating material (e.g. plastic). Part or all of conductor 108may be embedded within the insulating material. The locking element 106may be a conductive insert placed in an aperture in the body of thefemale connector 100.

The outwardly facing surface of the female connector 100 may be coveredby a permanent/user-removable insulating layer, e.g. a plastic sheath.In one embodiment, electrical isolation between adjacent lockingelements 106 may be provided by separating the adjacent locking elements106 using an insulating material.

FIGS. 2 and 5 show the male connector 200. The male connector 200comprises a housing 202 (generally non-conductive outwardly facingsurface so that it can be held without electric shock) partiallysurrounding contacts 204 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2) arrangedto mate with the contacts 104 of the female connector 100 of FIG. 1.Each contact 204 provides a contact point for a respective first signalpath for the transmission of electrical signals through the maleconnector 200.

The male connector 200 includes a locking element 206 being separate tothe contacts 204 and arranged to engage the locking element 106 of thefemale connector 100 to releasably lock the connectors 100, 200together. The locking element 206 comprises a protrusion 206 and isarranged to engage the recessed part on the female connector 100. Thelocking element 206 is metallic and is therefore electricallyconductive. The locking element 206 is arranged to form an electricalconnection with the locking element 106 of the female connector 100 whenthe two locking elements 106, 206 engage. The locking element 206provides a contact point of a second signal path for the transmission ofelectrical signals through the male connector 200.

As shown in FIG. 5, the male connector 200 includes a conductor 208extending from the locking element 206. The conductor 208 and thelocking element 206 cooperate to provide the second signal path for thetransmission of electrical signals through the male connector 200.

In one embodiment, the conductor 208 forms part of a first wire 208,which is thus in electrical communication with the locking element 206.In one embodiment, the first wire 208 is arranged to act as a radioantenna. In this way, the connector 200 can be used in relation both todigital signals using the contacts 204 and analogue (e.g. FM) signalsusing the first wire 208. In another embodiment, the conductor 208 isarranged for connection of the second signal path to a device associatedwith the male connector 200, in order to provide an additional path forsignals similar to those transmitted using the contacts 204.

The male connector 200 comprises a cable 210 having a plurality ofsecond wires 216 connected to respective contacts 204 of the connector200. The cable 210 comprises a shield 220 enclosing the second wires216. The first wire 208 is external to the shield 220.

Similar to an embodiment of the female connector 100, part or all of theconductor 208 may be embedded within an insulating material comprisingthe housing of the male connector 200.

FIG. 6 shows an electronic device 300 comprising the female connector100 of FIG. 1. In this case, the device 300 is a handportable multimediadevice. The device 300 may or may not comprise radiotelephonyfunctionality.

FIG. 7 shows a peripheral device 400 comprising the male connector 200of FIG. 2. In this case, the device 400 is a headset for transmittingaudio to a user.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart representing a method of using a connector 100,200. The method includes the step (10) of using an electricallyconductive-element (for example a locking element 106, 206) to provide acontact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electricalsignals through the connector 100, 200, the second signal path beingseparate to one or more first signal paths provided by contacts 104, 204of the connector 100, 200.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a second embodiment of a female connector 500. Thefemale connector 500 is identical to the female connector 100 of FIG. 1except that, in the female connector 500, the conductor 508 is arrangedto electrically connect directly to the locking element 206 of the maleconnector 200. In this embodiment, there is no need for the recessedpart of the locking element 506 of the female connector 500 to beelectrically conductive, or for it to form an electrical connection withthe locking element 206 of the male connector 200. As shown in FIGS. 9and 10 an electrical contact point 514 is formed between the lockingelement 206 of the male connector 200 and the conductor 508 of thefemale connector 500 to provide the second signal path for thetransmission of electrical signals through the female connector 500.

FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of a female connector 600 connected toa third embodiment of a male connector 700. The connectors 600, 700 mayor may not include the locking elements 106, 206 as before, but theseare not shown for reasons of clarity. The female connector 600 includesa pad 622 formed in the housing 602 to which (i.e. pad 622) a conductor608 is electrically connected. The male connector 700 includes a pad 722formed in the housing 702 to which pad 722 a conductor 708 iselectrically connected. When the male and female connectors 700, 600 areconnected, the pads 622, 722 are in electrical contact. Each pad 622,722 thus provides a point of contact for a second signal path throughits respective connector 600, 700, in addition to first signal pathsprovided by the contacts 604, 704.

FIG. 12 is a cross section of a DC barrel jack 800 connected to a socket900. The barrel jack 800 includes an outer barrel contact 802 and aninner barrel contact 804. The barrel contacts 802, 804 are electricallyinsulated from one another by insulating material 806. The socket 900includes a spring contact 902 arranged to electrically connect to theouter barrel contact 802 of the barrel jack 800, and a pole 904 arrangedto electrically connect to the inner barrel contact 804 via an internalaperture in the barrel 800. Such a barrel jack may be used, for example,to provide power to an electronic device via contacts 804, 904 andprovide connection of an (e.g. FM) antenna using contacts 802, 902.

FIG. 13 shows a cross section of a DC barrel jack 1000 connected to asocket 1100. The barrel jack 1000 includes a first outer barrel contact1002, a second outer barrel contact 1008 and an inner barrel contact1004. The first outer barrel contact 1002 and the inner barrel contact1004 are main contact regions, an internal aperture allowing access tothe contact 1004. The barrel contacts 1002, 1004, 1008 are electricallyinsulated from one another by insulating material 1006. In a differentembodiment (not shown), the barrel contacts 1002, 1008 may be internalbarrel contacts providing connection through the internal barrelaperture. In such an embodiment, the corresponding socket 1100 wouldhave independent signal paths for each of the internal barrel contacts.

The socket 1100 includes a first spring contact 1102 arranged toelectrically connect to the first outer barrel contact 1002 of thebarrel jack 1000, a second spring contact 1108 arranged to electricallyconnect to the second outer barrel contact 1008 of the barrel jack 1000,and a pole 1104 arranged to electrically connect to the inner barrelcontact 1004. The second outer barrel contact 1008 and the second springcontact 1108 provide contact points of a second signal path for thetransmission of electrical signals through the respective connector1000, 1100, in addition to first signal paths provided by the firstouter barrel contact 1002/first spring contact 1102 and the inner barrelcontact 1004/pole 1104. Such a barrel jack may be used, for example, toprovide power to an electronic device via contacts 1002, 1102 and 1004,1104 and to provide connection of an (e.g. FM) antenna using contacts1008, 1108.

FIG. 14 is a cross section of a sixth embodiment of a male connector1300 connected to a sixth embodiment of a female connector 1200. Thefemale connector 1200 is similar to female connector 500. The maleconnector 1300 is similar to male connector 100, except that maleconnector 1300 has a conductor 1308 embedded within the housing 1302 andarranged to contact the conductor 1208 of the female connector 1208. Theconductor 1308 of the male connector 1300 is exposed at an uppermostsurface of the protrusion of the locking element 1306. The conductor1208 of the female connector 1200 is arranged to contact the exposedpart of the conductor 1308.

FIG. 15 is a cross section of a seventh embodiment of a male connector1500 connected to a seventh embodiment of a female connector 1400. Thefemale connector is similar to female connector 100. The male connector1500 is similar to male connector 1300 except that the conductor 1508 isexposed at opposing side surfaces of the protrusion of the lockingelement 1506. The exposed parts of the conductor 1508 are arranged toconnect electrically to the electrically-conductive parts of the housing1402 of the female connector 1400 immediately surrounding the recessedpart of the locking element 1406. The locking element 1406 may bearranged to protect a user's finger from coming into contact with theconductor 1508.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an eighth embodiment of a female connector1600 including a conductor 1608 which extends around a periphery of thelocking element 1606. The housing of the female connector 1600 may beformed of an insulating material, e.g. plastic.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of a female connector 1700including a conductor 1708 which connects directly to the lockingelement 1706. The locking element 1706 is electrically insulated fromthe housing 1702 of the connector 1700 by insulating material 1724.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a tenth embodiment of a female connector 1800.The female connector 1800 is similar to female connector 100 except thatit also includes a second conductor 1826 connected to a second lockingelement 1828. The housing 1802 is split into two parts which areelectrically insulated from one another by insulating material 1824. Thefemale connector 1800 may be used with a male connector (not shown)which also has a second conductor attached to a second locking element.In this way, the connectors provide a third signal path, in addition tothe one or more first signal paths and the second signal path.

FIG. 19 is a cross section of an eleventh embodiment of a male connector1900, being a barrel jack. The male connector 1900 is similar to maleconnector 1000 except that the outer barrel contact is split into twocontacts along its length rather than around its circumference. The maleconnector 1900 includes first and second outer barrel contacts 1902 and1908, an inner barrel contact 1904, and insulating material 1904insulating the contacts from one another.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned circuitry may have otherfunctions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that thesefunctions may be performed by the same circuit. The contact between theconnectors may be point contact, linear contact, area contact, curvedcontact etc. The connectors may conform to a USB standard, including theOn-The-Go Supplement (revision 1.2) to the USB 2.0 specification. Theconnectors may conform to an audio jack standard. The recessed parts maybe located on the male connectors.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual featuredescribed herein and any combination of two or more such features, tothe extent that such features or combinations are capable of beingcarried out based on the present specification as a whole in the lightof the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art,irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solveany problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope ofthe claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the presentinvention may consist of any such individual feature or combination offeatures. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to aperson skilled in the art that various modifications may be made withinthe scope of the invention.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamentalnovel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodimentsthereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutionsand changes in the form and details of the devices and methods describedmay be made by those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that allcombinations of those elements and/or method steps which performsubstantially the same function in substantially the same way to achievethe same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, itshould be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method stepsshown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form orembodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosedor described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter ofdesign choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only asindicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Furthermore, inthe claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover thestructures described herein as performing the recited function and notonly structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thusalthough a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that anail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together,whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment offastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A connector comprising: a first contactconfigured to mate with a contact of a complementary connector, thefirst contact providing a first contact point of a first signal path forthe transmission of electrical signals through the connector; and anelectrically-conductive locking element of the connector configured toengage an electrically-conductive element on the complementaryconnector, the electrically-conductive locking element of the connectorconfigured to provide a second contact point of a second signal path forthe transmission of electrical signals through the connector, theelectrically-conductive locking element of the connector comprising aprotrusion or aperture configured to inter-engage with a complementaryaperture or protrusion of the complementary connector; and a conductorin electrical communication with the electrically-conductive lockingelement of the connector, wherein the conductor is configured to act asa radio antenna by extending from the electrically-conductive lockingelement of the connector, and the conductor and theelectrically-conductive locking element of the connector cooperate toprovide the second signal path for the transmission of electricalsignals through the connector.
 2. The connector according to claim 1,wherein the aperture of the electrically conductive locking element ofthe connector is one of a protrusion for a recessed aperture part of thecomplementary connector or a recessed aperture part configured to engagea protrusion on the complementary connector.
 3. The conductor accordingto claim 1 comprising a cable having one or more wires connected to thesecond contact point, the cable comprising a shield enclosing the one ormore wires, the conductor being at least partially external to theshield.
 4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the conductor isconfigured for connection of the second signal path to a deviceassociated with the connector.
 5. The connector according to claim 1,comprising a plurality of electrically conductive locking elements ofthe connector configured to engage electrically-conductive elements onthe complementary connector, each electrically-conductive lockingelement of the connector providing a contact point of a respectivesignal path for the transmission of electrical signals through theconnector.
 6. The connector according to claim 1, configured to conformto a USB standard.
 7. The connector according to claim 1, configured toconform to an audio jack standard.
 8. The connector according to claim1, configured to provide power to an electronic device.
 9. An electronicdevice comprising the connector according to claim
 1. 10. A peripheraldevice comprising the connector according to claim
 1. 11. A connectoraccording to claim 1, wherein the electrically-conductive lockingelement is at least a part of a housing of the connector.
 12. Acomplementary connector for the connector according to claim
 1. 13. Anelectronic device according to claim 9, wherein the electronic device isa handportable multimedia device.
 14. An electronic device according toclaim 9, wherein the electronic device is configured to compriseradiotelephony functionality.
 15. A peripheral device according to claim10, wherein the peripheral device is a headset for transmitting audio toa user.
 16. A method of using a connector, the connector comprising afirst contact configured to mate with a contact of a complementaryconnector, the first contact providing a first contact point of a firstsignal path for the transmission of electrical signals through theconnector; and an electrically-conductive locking element of theconnector configured to engage an electrically-conductive element on thecomplementary connector, wherein the electrically-conductive lockingelement of the connector is configured to provide a second contact pointof a second signal path for the transmission of electrical signalsthrough the connector, the method comprising using theelectrically-conductive locking element of the connector to provide acontact point of a second signal path for the transmission of electricalsignals through the connector, and a conductor in electricalcommunication with the electrically-conductive locking element of theconnector, wherein the conductor is configured to act as a radio antennaby extending from the locking element and the conductor and theelectrically-conductive locking element of the connector cooperate toprovide the second signal path for the transmission of electricalsignals through the connector.
 17. A connector comprising: a firstcontact configured to mate with a contact of a complementary connector,the first contact configured to provide a first contact point of a firstsignal path for the transmission of electrical signals through theconnector; an electrically-conductive element of the connectorconfigured to engage an electrically-conductive element on thecomplementary connector, the electrically-conductive element of theconnector configured to provide a second contact point of a secondsignal path for the transmission of electrical signals through theconnector, wherein the electrically-conductive element of the connectorcomprises one or more of a pad formed in a housing of the connector, aconductor embedded within the housing of the connector, two or moreinternal barrel contacts providing an internal connection through aninternal barrel aperture, a locking element protrusion configured toexpose at least a part of the electrically-conductive element of theconnector, a periphery of a locking element, a locking elementconfigured to connect directly to the electrically-conductive of theconductor and electrically insulated from the housing of the connector,and a contact configured to be electrically insulated from anothercontact; and a conductor in electrical communication with theelectrically-conductive element of the connector, the conductorconfigured to act as a radio antenna by extending from theelectrically-conductive element of the connector, and the conductor andthe electrically-conductive element of the connector cooperate toprovide the second signal path for the transmission of electricalsignals through the connector.
 18. A male barrel connector, the barrelof the male barrel connector comprising an aperture which extends withinthe male barrel connector from the tip of the barrel connector, the malebarrel connector comprising: an internal contact provided within theaperture and configured to mate with a contact of a female barrelconnector, the internal contact providing a first contact point of afirst signal path for the transmission of electrical signals through themale barrel connector; and at least one electrically-conductive elementon an external face of the male barrel connector, the at least oneelectrically-conductive element on an external face of the male barrelconnector configured to be electrically isolated from at least one otherelectrically-conductive element of the male barrel connector to providefor respective connector contact points of at least one further signalpath for the transmission of electrical signals through the male barrelconnector, and a conductor in electrical communication with the at leastone electrically-conductive element on an external face of the malebarrel connector, wherein the conductor is configured to act as a radioantenna by extending from the at least one electrically-conductiveelement on an external face of the male barrel connector, and theconductor and the at least one electrically-conductive element on anexternal face of the male barrel connector cooperate to provide at leastone of the further signal paths for the transmission of electricalsignals through the male barrel connector.
 19. A female barrel connectorconfigured to receive a male barrel connector according to claim 18 forelectrical connection, the female barrel connector comprising: a contactconfigured to be inserted into the aperture of the male barrel connectorto provide a first signal path; and at least one electrically-conductiveelement of the female barrel connector configured to connect with atleast one respective electrically-conductive element on the externalface of the male barrel connector to provide at least one further signalpath.
 20. A female barrel connector according to claim 19, wherein theat least one electrically-conductive element of the female barrelconnector is configured to provide connection of the radio antenna ofthe male barrel connector.